- Former Connecticut state official Konstantinos "Kosta" Diamantis has fled to Greece via the Bahamas and London prior to his federal corruption sentencing in the U.S.
- Diamantis was convicted of extortion last year after taking illicit kickbacks from contractors in exchange for lucrative school construction projects between 2018 and 2021. Following his conviction, he told reporters he feared serving time in prison.
- In a 10-page email to his lawyer, he denied wrongdoing, claimed political targeting by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, and called on Donald Trump to examine his case.
- US District Judge Stefan Underhill rescheduled the sentencing for Sept. 30 and confirmed it will proceed whether or not the defendant is present.
- Connecticut state leadership condemned his escape and initiated steps to halt his state pension, while his dual citizenship may complicate extradition efforts.
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